Bonsai

Create a client project to keep tasks, messages, time entries, files, billing and expenses in one dashboard. Proposals, contracts, forms, uploaded files and links can be attached to the project record so delivery work stays connected to the client scope.

Organize delivery into task lists with assignments and dependencies, then use views for deadlines, workload and progress. Log time and expenses against the same project; this gives a basis for checking effort and budget before billing.

Project activity can keep sent or forwarded emails and internal comments. The Help article says messages handled in that activity area do not notify a client, so use a client-facing channel when an update must actually reach them.

Time entries have non-billable, unbilled and billed states. On an invoicing-enabled plan, an operator can generate an invoice from unbilled project hours with a timesheet, then choose a breakdown by task, service, role or date. Review the statuses and time range before sending the invoice.

Set a project budget by fee or hours and decide whether usage comes from billable time, expenses or both. The budget view can show what has been used and what remains. Match the selected calculation to the project contract before relying on the progress indicator.

On an eligible plan, the client portal can expose project details, invoices and shared files. Owners and Partners manage access and can preview a client’s view. Task collaboration must be enabled, so test the chosen client’s visibility before inviting them.

Portal messages can send an email notification to the client, unlike the internal Project activity email log. Assign a Project Manager role where operational access is needed without invoice or rate visibility, and test the specific user’s permissions before using real financial data.